The District of Columbia Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) announced today that it has introduced new procedures to combat tax fraud and identity theft.

“Fraud prevention measures implemented during last year’s tax season resulted in an overall savings of $36 million, from more than 25,000 fraudulent returns, that would otherwise have been paid,” said Stephen Cordi, deputy chief financial officer for the Office of Tax and Revenue.  “This year we have implemented two new programs, LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Fraud Management to better detect attempts at identity theft and ensure taxpayer refunds do not fall needlessly into the hands of criminals.”

Requests for refunds filed electronically and are not selected for review will be issued within 7 to 10 business days. Requests for refunds filed by paper and not selected for review will be issued within 10-15 days. Taxpayers in receipt of a letter requesting additional information or verification through the LexisNexis and Fraud Management programs, could have their refunds delayed.  These returns have been identified as needing additional verification or are the second return filed this year by this taxpayer.  It must be determined which filing is correct.

OTR also reminds taxpayers that all new direct deposit requests (taxpayers requesting a direct deposit for the first time) and filers who have changed banks will receive a paper check. This will help to prevent fraudulent refunds from being sent to the criminal’s bank.

To assist taxpayers, OTR Walk-In Center, located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W270, will be open on Saturdays, from 9 am to 1 pm, in addition to its Monday through Friday schedule.

The remaining Saturday schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, March 5, 12, 19, and 26
• Saturday, April 2 and  9

For additional information or questions, call OTR’s Customer Service Administration at (202) 727-4TAX (4829), or visit OTR’s Walk-In Center, 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W270, Washington, DC 20024.